SoundWeb - Equipment

SOFTWARE
Editors
Multi-trackers
Converters
Rippers
Others

EQUIPMENT
Input devices
Mixers
Amps
Speakers

If a sound designer has the funds, there is a lot of equipment beyond a computer that would make life easier, and more effective.

It is doubtful that a beginning sound designer will have the funds necessary to build up a full sound system from scratch. What is more likely is that he or she may have been given an extremely small budget to buy a couple of CD's, and maybe some Gaffers tape. Nonetheless, if a budget does happen to miraculously appear, it might be good to know where to get certain materials necessary for running a show.

Input Devices

It will always be necessary to get a few items to playback recorded cues, or to grab live sound from the air. Both of these sets of items fall under input devices. In terms of playback, I have to admit that I prefer minidisc. It's very versatile, in that it provides the high quality of CD's, always a plus for theatre sound, while retaining the capability to edit and record on the fly. At TheatreUSF, Sony minidisc is used, which, although it is really a home stereo model, can perform quite well, if properly cared for. Higher end MD's, such as Denon, are oriented more toward professional sound operations, and can provide features above and beyond the home stereo market, particularly advanced editing capabilities.

However, if CDs are more appropriate for a particular sound design, it will make the engineer's job much easier if the cues are all burned onto one disc, instead of forcing him to switch. Since the editing software found elsewhere on this page are oriented toward use on a PC, perhaps looking into getting a CD burner. The show's budget will probably not be allowed to stretch enough for you to get one, but a CD burner is useful enough to be considered a good investment for anyone, sound designer or not. I have a Hewlett-Packard, and I am very pleased with it, as it has little trouble burning CD's despite the shoddiness of the blank CD's themselves. HP also makes external versions of its burners, which can e helpful if you have to use multiple computers in order to get the sound you want, but they tend to be slower and will waste discs more often.

In terms of blank media for recording CD's, Sony makes very high quality blank CD's. Maxell is about middle quality and costs a little less. If cost means more than quality, however, it is always possible to head for Office Depot and grab a Big Drum o' CD's, usually Imation or Maxell. be prepared to make multiple attempts at burning your CD's though; those CD's come in bulk for a reason.

Mics are always an important part of a sound system. If you can use wired mics, do so. Wireless mics are always far more problematic than wired mics. A good standard, handheld mic is the Shure SM58, which I doubt will be allowed onstage, but can be good for offstage live events. Sennheiser also makes a good wired handheld, called the e835.

It will probably be necessary to mic a group of too quiet actors, and the stage is no too large, going with area mics might be a good idea. Crown makes a condenser mic known as the PCC 160, which is excellent for picking up a good section of any stage. If small size is important, then Crown also makes mics known as the PZM-30D and PZM-6D, which can provide adequate reinforcement capability.

If you must use wireless body packs, make sure you take necessary precautions against static and sweat. Try and get the receivers as close to the stage as possible, or even under the stage, and away from metal. It is better to have signal get broadcast 5 feet and then run through 100 feet of cable than the other way around. And when using body packs, make sure they are safe from sweat. The packs themselves should be in protective pouches, and it is quite common to slip them into unlubricated condoms for an extra barrier against moisture.

Mixers

The next step in a sound system, after your input devices and their respective cables, is usually the mixer. Currently in the Mainstage, there is a new Allen & Heath mixer, which is good enough for college theatre. If you must rent, then you can stay with Allen & Heath, but a great little mixer is the Mackie 1604, which has plenty of outputs, as well as the added feature of being very portable.

You will always need one or two things in between the Mixer and the Amp. Primarily, you will need an equalizer or two. This will not only help in cutting out feedback, but in getting you entire system to sound balanced. Ashly and Rane make a wide variety of 31-band EQ's, at a good range of prices.

Amps

Amps should provide equal power across all frequencies, and some are better at that than others. You will also need to know, when choosing amps, how much power your speakers will require in order to operate properly. In terms of brand names, however, there are two very good manufacturers for your amplification needs. These two companies are Crown and Crest. Both have a good selection of amps available, which are designed to handle everything from the basic PA systems to concert venues.

Speakers

Naturally, you will need something to actually produce the sound you need. If you really need speakers on a shoestring budget, then you could try to build your own, using Radio Shack parts. The problem with this is that you have to get dirty, something no sound person ever wants. You'll also have to do all the math necessary to have a properly sized housing for your cones. There are books to help you with the process, which can also be found at Radio Shack.

Of course, you may have the luxury of being able to rent or purchase already-made speakers. JBL speakers can serve you well. They pack a whole lot of speaker into little packages, at midrange cost but with good quality. You may want to also look into Apogee, who make good speakers that can fill large rooms with full-range sound.